He added: “The significant reduction in the number of reported incidents, compared to the same time period over the previous two years, is testament to the people of Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. The community has clearly listened to and acted upon our safety warnings.

“I would like to thank everyone for taking extra care at a time when our resources were stretched during the first 24-hour strike in this dispute between the FBU and the government.

A further strike is due to be held from 10am to 5pm on Saturday, June 21.

This round of industrial action is the eighth to be held since the dispute began between the FBU and the Government over pensions.